Celtic are in talks with Kilmarnock over a potential move for Greg Taylor to Parkhead, Angelo Alessio has confirmed.

The Kilmarnock boss revealed that left-back Taylor has been the topic of discussions between the two clubs and the Italian is bracing himself for an official bid.

Taylor, 21, was also the subject of a bid from Sunderland earlier this week but the offer was rejected.

Celtic set to step up transfer activity - with Fousseni Diabate, Birger Meling and Greg Taylor on their radar

However Alessio has moved to clarify the situation surrounding his key man - explaining how the "right offer" has not yet presented itself.

He said: "I hope Greg can stay with us but I understand the situation. This deal is between the club and the other clubs.

"Every day I read about Celtic and Sunderland. But it's only conversations. It's normal in this period of the market.

"It's difficult because I've already said we want to keep our best players.

"I think right now I need to clarify the situation. 

"There have been some conversations about Greg but at the moment it's only conversations. I don't think there has been a right offer for him.

"Is it inevitable that he will leave before the deadline? I hope not. He's important for us and the team.

"But I understand the situation. If the club receives the right offer we can lose him."

Taylor has been suffering with a hamstring issue and looks certain to miss this weekend's Killie trip to St Johnstone.

Greg Taylor left out of Kilmarnock squad amid Celtic interest

And his manager confirmed that despite not having the distraction of playing the game to keep his mind off rumours, Taylor has been in normal mode this week as a Kilmarnock player.

He added: "Greg only trained today but I don't know if he will play as he has a little hamstring injury so at this moment I think we'll be without him.

"I spoke with him about his injury. The guy is normal at the moment. It's only rumours and of course Celtic is a top club for him and a good opportunity for him.

"But at the same time he is a Kilmarnock player and for this reason he must think about Kilmarnock."